INTRODUCTION. V 



No industrial or material employment can be more inno- 

 cent, or less inconsistent with their proper work. 



There are few portions of our country Avhich are not 

 admirably adapted to the culture of the Honey-Bee. The 

 wealth of the nation might be increased by millions of 

 dollars, if every family favorably situated for bee-keeping 

 would keep a few hives. No other branch of industry 

 can be named, in which there need be so little loss on 

 the material that is employed, or which so completely 

 derives its profits from the vast and exhaustless domains 

 of Nature. 



I trust that Mr. LANGSTEOTH'S labors -will contribute 

 greatly to promote a department of Rural Economy, which 

 in this country has hitherto received so little scientific 

 attention. Pie well deserves the name of Benefactor ; 

 infinitely more so than many who in all countries and in 

 all ages have received that honorable title. Not many 

 years will pass away without seeing his important inven- 

 tion brought into extensive use, both in the Old and New 

 World. Its great merits need only to be known ; and 

 this, Time will certainly bring about. 



ROBERT BAIRP. 



